HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel

The building has beautiful art and design throughout, and it’s ideally placed in the city. There are half a dozen great taquerias within walking distance. For parking, don’t get overcharged like I did at first. Use 'Park It On Market' a block away. It costs $1/hour.

The location is great and the staff are very friendly, but the noise was unbearable. The AC ran loudly all night, and sounds from outside bars and restaurants went on until 2am on most days. Regular earplugs didn’t help. Noise-cancelling earbuds worked better, but I’d have had to wear them all night to try to sleep. I booked three nights and managed only 1.5 before finding somewhere else. This is the loudest hostel I’ve stayed in. It’s clean and all that, and I’m not especially sensitive to noise, but after a long day exploring, travelers need some peace.

I was in SD waiting for my red-eye flight, and after lunch I needed a nap, so I found this place on Google. I walked over after they told me the price and wasn’t expecting much. The security and staff made me feel comfortable right away. I’ve only stayed at a few hostels, but this is hands down the best. The common areas and diets were great. A calm, quiet place to rest in the heart of the Gaslamp.

The check-in was wonderful, and the staff member was kind and professional. I appreciated the included towel, the ensuite bathroom in the room, and the privacy curtain on my bunk. Kitchen facilities had all the necessities, and there’s a Ralph's about a ten-minute walk away. Public transit is convenient, and getting to and from the airport is easy. Cute artwork and nice chill music, too. It’s a decent location, though definitely louder at night. I slept warm because a roommate must have switched off the window AC unit. It’s not the best hostel I’ve stayed at, but it’s not the worst either.